News Update for 12/13/19

Highlands County authorities reportedly found a mother and her son early this morning after they got lost on Lake Josephine. Jacqueline and Jacob Graham reportedly had set out on a fishing trip yesterday about noon, then did not return. Apparently they had no motor on their john boat, then later lost their paddle.
They were found in a canal in the rain shortly before 3:00 this morning. The two were taken to the hospital where they reportedly were being treated for hypothermia.

Quick work by volunteers from the Highlands Lakes Fire Department last night may have saved a house. They were joined by units of the West Sebring Volunteer Fire Department yesterday evenining in extinguishing the flames in a home on Morningside Road.
Apparently, a dryer caught fire. Reportedly, they were able to keep the damage contained to the laundry room. No injuries were reported and no damage estimate was released.

A Sebring man reportedly has claimed a million dollar top prize in the Florida Lottery’s new GOLD RUSH CLASSIC scratch off game. 53-year-old Mark Brooks said he bought the winning ticket at the Sebring Citgo gas station on Highway 27.
Brooks decided to take it in a lump sum – reducing his winnings to $705,000 after taxes. The Citgo station also will receive a $2,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket.

It appears the City of Charm may once again be taking their garbage to the Highlands County Landfill. A review by new Avon Park City Manager David Flowers has determined that the cost of wear and tear on trucks, combined with increased overtime hours, has more than offset any savings on tipping fees the city might have realized.
In fact, Flowers said the city has been dumping at the county landfill for a while now, due to problems with one of their haulers.